MISA to participate in National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Consultation
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, will ensure that the rollout of Artificial Intelligence strengthens livelihoods rather than threatens them.
The Union welcomes the publication of South Africa’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, which was gazetted for public comment by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies for comment over the next 60 days.
“Workers must drive the policy direction. If AI is rolled our responsibly, it can create opportunity instead of devastation. MISA will fight to ensure that AI is harnessed to empower workers, not replace them,” said Martle Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
AI is already reshaping the retail motor industry from predictive maintenance and automated diagnostics to digital customer service platforms. These innovations bring efficiency and opportunity, but they also raise burning questions for workers: Will my role still matter? Could I be replaced? Will my skills remain relevant? MISA believes these concerns are legitimate and must be addressed head on.
The risks are clear. Without safeguards, AI could accelerate job displacement, deepen inequality and expose workers to algorithmic bias. South Africa’s policy timelines are ambitious, but given government’s track record on implementation, MISA is concerned about whether deadlines will be met. Delays could leave workers vulnerable while industry races ahead.
MISA’s solutions are practical and rooted in global best practice. Countries such as Germany and Singapore have invested heavily in reskilling programs, ensuring workers transition into new roles created by AI. South Africa must do the same: establish training pathways, create AI literacy programs for young people and build partnerships between government, business and unions to guarantee that workers are not left behind. AI must be a partner to human innovation, not a replacement for it.
MISA will advocate for sector specific protections, including retraining funds, worker representation in AI ethics boards, and clear guidelines to prevent unfair labour practices. Our goal is to save jobs, create more employment and ensure that AI strengthens families and communities rather than undermining them.
MISA calls on all stakeholders to join us in shaping an AI future that is fair, inclusive and sustainable. The deadline for submission is 10 June 2026.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
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